My Life in Dog Years

I’ve always heard that one year in a dog’s life is equal to seven years of human life. I wonder why that is? Do you think it’s because they learn faster than we do and can get it all done seven times faster? Life’s lessons seem to be inborn in them if they receive the “nourishment” of love, nutrition and safety. It’s a little disarming to realize the smartest creatures in our home are the dogs; or at least one of our dogs.

Dogs and cats have so much to teach us and we should be privileged to learn their lessons. These lessons contain the most basic aspects of life, love and simplicity.

Life is all about survival for them and for us. Their needs are basic and simple, as ours should be. For us, there is no lesson more quickly learned than when illness or accident disrupts our lives. All those lovely materialistic things are still lovely, but we turn from them to different values. Those of us with chronic pain tend to savor the good days more than those who take them for granted. Like a dog looking for that little spot on the floor where the sun is shining through to land on the floor, we curl up, say thanks and savor it. Like the cat that bathes herself in that same sunlight or chases it across the floor, let’s find joy.

Dogs and cats don’t worry; they just take life as it comes. That’s one lesson we find difficult to learn. Do they have faith? Is it love for their owner? What is the source of that kind of ease? Sure wish it could be bottled. We humans beat our heads against life, constantly look for answers when they aren’t there and accept the inevitable only when pushed into a corner, are deeply depressed or have an epiphany. We waste a lot of our extra seven years by searching for someone to wave a magic wand over us and make it all right. In truth, we often have to pick up our load, carry it along and get on with the business of living.

Dogs don’t take any abuse if they can help it. They growl, they snarl as if to give warning and then they bite. I know you and I have met a few folks along the way we would have gladly bitten. Sure, we snarl and growl, but it often goes unheeded and as a result we are labeled grumpy, grouchy and dopey. Like us, they are often abused but regarding the innocent of this world, like small children, I like to think God has a special plan of retribution for those who do these dire deeds; especially to these pure souls.

Dogs exhibit remarkable courage on the battlefield of war, during times of emergency and when someone they love is threatened, whether they are canine, feline or human. Their instincts are fresh, innocent and highly intelligent. It seems we humans have beaten our instincts down a bit with sophistication, civility and misdirection. Our instincts and inner answers are still there, they just aren’t tapped by us. There is much to be said for a quiet moment or more, the TV turned off, the book put aside and a gorgeous view, a soft breeze and an open mind.

We humans need to be entertained by devices, electronics and noise. Dogs need a new sock tied into a knot, a new piece of rawhide or a ball that bounces and squeaks. Are we humans any better for all of our gadgets? When our lives are knocked down to their knees by failing health, our entire priority system is knocked askew. Instead of feeling sorry for us and our loss of income, or good health perhaps it’s time to embrace a simpler way of life.

We often learn to say thanks for some of our limitations. Where would you or I be today if life had not taken this turn? If we have lost something which cannot be redeemed, we need to let it go. If there is some challenge we can overcome or at least face, nose to nose, then let’s do it. A dog can walk on three legs. A dog that loses an extremity can be taught to use an ambulatory device. They learn to embrace life with their old vim and enthusiasm. We humans worry about loss of self-image, loss of friends and carry self-pity around like a badge. A dog knows he is not his legs, his fur or his handicap. He knows those are just “accessories.” He sticks with the basic needs and is content with love, food and warmth without the aid of psychiatry or counseling. Above and beyond his circumstance, he will find time to give you a lick, a snuggle or a laugh.

How do dogs and cats instinctively know when it’s time to play? Why do we let that aspect of life float away? I think we call it “maturity” and “growing up.” Dogs and cats grow old but they don’t grow up. Their joy of living and their resilience should be a lesson for each of us.

There are built in needs which human beings have to adhere to in aiding their canine friends. Dogs can’t cut their own nails, unless they live on the beach and can walk on sand. They can’t bathe themselves, unless they like the water and live near a source. I’ve never seen a dog with a brush, unless it’s trying to hide it. We say we are their guardians and they need us, but the list is short compared to the ways they guard us. They keep us grounded, responsible and entertained. They give us love without conditions. They offer us comfort without expecting return. They fill a lonely heart by being there. They teach us, constantly, the importance of touch just by lying on our feet or following us from room to room.

There are so many ways I secretly envy my dogs and cats. I wish I could shake after a bath without getting dizzy. I wish I could have someone love me with the purity with which they love. I wish I could live a simplistic life. I wish I could put my worries aside, easily without all the gnashing of teeth. I wish I had the courage to bite someone who is trying to harm me. I wish I had the stubborn determination of a cat that must lie on your lap.

There are many ways I plan to and already have started learning from my dogs. I will try to remember to put a “bone” away for a rainy day. I will trust tomorrow to be a better day, not a worse one. I will remember to let those I love know I do by some act of affection or kindness. Don’t think I’ll lick any faces. I will remember to show thanks to others who give to me, whether it is in word or deed. I will work on my loyalty. I will strive not to hold a grudge and be more forgiving toward those who wrong me. That’s not saying I might not embrace the ability to hold a grudge like a cat can. I would like to pounce on some folks, surprising them when they walk around a corner or perhaps walking on their faces while they sleep. No harm done and it would feel so good.

So come on dear friends, whether you’re a cat lover or a dog lover. Let’s howl, meow or bark more often. Let’s protect those we love. Let’s roll with life and stop fighting what happens to us. It might be difficult to get off the ground after a roll but it does feel good. That doesn’t mean we accept compromise. Let’s find the best veterinarian/doctor we can. Let’s learn to forgive some who just don’t “get it.” Let’s appreciate those who love and help us without qualification or judgment.

Let’s howl at the moon and make the neighbors wonder. Let’s rejoice in whatever state we’re in and see the bowl half full instead of half empty. Let’s make those extra human years have worth.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Falkner-Wood

Sue Falkner-Wood is a retired registered nurse living in Astoria, Ore., with her husband, who is also an R.N. Sue left nursing in 1990 due to chronic pain and other symptoms related to what was eventually...read more